Still being dam short on time and want to get to yet more on Syria & Ukraine, but this tidbit is going to have to do. Hopefully some great commenters will leave some more info!!hint, hint :)Janes- Opening of second front as peace talks flounder indicates a military stalemate is developing in eastern Ukraine
Key Points
- Peace talks were held between Russia and Ukraine in Minsk on 26 August, although little progress was made in finding a solution to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, as separatist fighters apparently launched a new offensive towards the city of Mariupol.
- The poor organisation, logistics, and training of Ukrainian government forces make it highly unlikely they will achieve a military victory over the rebels in eastern Ukraine before the onset of winter, while Russia's direct but unofficial military support to the separatists is likely to intensify, with the aim of forcing the Ukrainian leadership into talks with the insurgents.
Minsk summit produces no breakthrough for Ukraine
While describing the talks as "positive," Russian President Vladimir Putin said the details of truce terms are the internal matter for Kiev."Russia can't substantively discuss conditions of a ceasefire...That is not our business, it's up to Ukraine itself," Putin told reporters in Minsk, Belarus early on Wednesday.
Ukraine must talk to separatists
"We can only contribute to creating a situation of trust for a possible, and in my view, extremely necessary, negotiation process," he added.
Ukraine must talk to separatists
For Ukraine, the largely Russian-speaking region is where the country's economic foundation lies.Rich in deposits of coal and iron ore, the eastern part of Ukraine holds almost the entire industry of Ukraine, making the cession of this region unacceptable for Kiev.Kiev now urgently wants the rebels to hand back the territory they have captured in eastern Ukraine
The EU is very concerned with trade. Read entire article at above linkFirst post of the day- also open for comments for a short timeJames Foley: Fake tape = No beheading. Spooks and spies, oh my!
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